Dr Ramakuwela’s research focus on development of biocontrol agents based on the entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) bacterial complex for management of agricultural pests and pathogens. Much of the EPN research in SA focus on evaluating efficacy of indigenous EPNs for management of insect pests. Very few studies have been conducted for testing the effectiveness of symbiotic bacterial metabolites for control of plant pathogens.

Dr Ramakuwela initiated Nematology research in the department of Plant and Soil Sciences with focus on:

• Development of EPN bacterial complex as biocontrol agent of pests and diseases.
• Investigating the use of symbiotic bacterial metabolites for safe and environmentally friendly management of plant pathogens including plant parasitic nematodes.
• Integration of the EPN and symbiotic bacterial metabolites in integrated pests and pathogens management programmes. Entomopathogenic nematodes are compatible with other management strategies.

This research address issues of development of resistance against chemicals, safety against human & the environment and maximum residue levels, contributing to food security and improved livelihoods.

Recent Publications

1. Zulu, S., Ramakuwela, T., Baimey, H., Laing, M., Shapiro-Ilan, D.I. and Cochrane, N. (2025). Storage capacity of entomopathogenic nematodes in Barricade® Gel and Potassium Polyacrylate Hydrogel. Journal of Nematology 57: e2025-1. DOI: 10.2478/jofnem-2025-0014
2. Kgosiemang, J., Ramakuwela, T., Figlan, S. and Cochrane, N. (2024, accepted). Antifungal effect of metabolites from bacterial symbionts of entomopathogenic nematodes against Fusarium Head Blight of wheat. Journal of Fungi. doi: 10.3390/jof10020148.
3. Oso, A.A., Ramakuwela, T. and Ashafa, A.O. (2021). Compatibility of entomopathogenic nematodes with plant extracts and post-exposure virulence test under laboratory condition. Turkish Journal of Zoology (Special Issue: Biological Control of Insect Pests), (2021) 45: 384-394.
4. Khathwayo, Z., Ramakuwela, T., Hatting, J.L., Shapiro-Ilan, D.I. and Cochrane, N. (2021). Quantification of pH tolerance levels among entomopathogenic nematodes isolated from South Africa. Journal of Nematology 53: e2021–62. Doi: 10.21307/jofnem-2021-062.
5. Oso, A.A., Ramakuwela, T. and Ashafa, A.O. (2021). An Evaluation of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Alepidea amatymbica for bio-active constituents and insecticidal activity against Tenebrio molitor. European Journal of Biology and Biotechnology.
6. Ramakuwela, T., Hatting, J., Bock, C., Vega, F.E., Wells, L., Mbata, G.N. and Shapiro-Ilan, D.I. (2020). Establishment of Beauveria bassiana as a fungal endophyte in pecan (Carya illinoinensis) seedlings and its virulence against pecan insect pests. Biological Control 140 (2020): 104102. DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2019.104102.
7. Ramakuwela, T., Hatting, J., Laing, M.D., Hazir, S. and Thiebaut, N. (2018). Biological characterization of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema innovationi: A South African isolate. Journal of Nematology 50 (4): DOI: 10.21307/jofnem-2018-049.
8. Cimen, H., P?ža, V., Nermu?, J., Hatting, J., Ramakuwela, T. and Hazir, S. (2016). Steinernema biddulphi n. sp., a new entomopathogenic nematode (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) from South Africa. Journal of Nematology 48(3): 148–158.
9. Cimen, H., P?ža, V., Nermu?, J., Hatting, J., Ramakuwela, T., Lucie Faktorová, L. and Hazir, S. (2016). Steinernema beitlechemi n. sp., a new entomopathogenic nematode (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) from South Africa. Nematology 18: 439-445.
10. Ramakuwela, T., Hatting, J., Laing, M.D., Hazir, S. and Thiebaut, N. (2016). In vitro solid state production of Steinernema innovationi with cost analysis. Biocontrol Science and Technology 26(6): 792–808.
11. Ramakuwela, T., Hatting, J., Laing, M.D., Hazir, S. and Thiebaut, N. (2015). Effect of storage temperature and duration on survival and infectivity of Steinernema innovationi (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae). Journal of Nematology 47(4):332–336.